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Zaun wants a Tampa return

If he has his way this offseason, 16-year veteran catcher Gregg Zaun will return to his stomping grounds from two seasons ago, Tampa Bay.

Zaun, 39 and a free agent, told Jim Bowden of MLB Network Radio on Tuesday that he’d like to play for the Rays in 2011. That could be a crowded situation to squeeze into, though: The Rays have John Jaso and Kelly Shoppach under contract, and while Dioner Navarro is arbitration eligible, he’s likely to be non-tendered.

A backup most of his career, Zaun played 34 games for the Rays in 2009 before signing a one-year, $2.15 million deal with Milwaukee for 2010. He hit .265 with a pair of homers in 102 at-bats this past season.

The Brewers declined a $2.25 million club option on Zaun a week ago, paying a small buyout instead and making him a free agent. Zaun once said he wants to become the oldest catcher to play in the Majors.

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